Lake Red Rock
RV Guide
Introduction
Iowa's largest lake, Lake Red Rock, is located in Marion County and close to the towns of Pella and Knoxville. The lake is famous for fishing, swimming, and the white pelicans that migrate through this COE park every year in the spring and fall. Sometimes referred to as Red Rock Reservoir, the lake was formed in 1969 when the Army Corps of Engineers completed Red Rock Dam on the Des Moines River. The area is about 35,000 acres, and the lake itself makes up 15,000 of them. The reservoir collects drainage and runoff to prevent flooding of over 12,000 square miles of land in Iowa and southern Minnesota. Popular among visitors for waterskiing, swimming, fishing, and boating, there are also plenty of land-based activities at Lake Red Rock to keep everyone occupied. Enjoy hiking or cycling the paved Volksweg Trail that stretches from Pella to the Cordova Recreation Area. Have a picnic and search for wildlife and birds while you eat. Numerous campgrounds will accommodate large RVs and trailers at Lake Red Rock; in fact, there are five with a total of over 400 different campsites. The choice is almost too much. Also on the shores of Lake Red Rock, visit Elk Rock State Park while you're in the area. To add a little city time to your trip, visit Iowa's capital, Des Moines, too. It's only about an hour away.
RV Rentals in Lake Red Rock
Transportation
Driving
Lake Red Rock is located four miles southwest of Pella on County Road T15. The roads are a generous size and paved all the way from Des Moines. if you are visiting the lake during winter, make sure you carry the necessary gear for snowstorms and ice. Always call ahead or check for road closures during inclement weather.
Parking
There is parking for larger rigs available at all the recreation areas that surround Lake Red Rock.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Lake Red Rock
Campsites in Lake Red Rock
Reservations camping
Howell Station Campground
Open yearly from April to October, Howell Station is a popular Army Corps of Engineers campground with over 140 sites to choose from. RVs and trailers up to 80 feet in length can call this park home. The prime location of this campground, on the north side of the Des Moines River, just below the Red Rock Dam, is paradise for lovers of the outdoors. The easy river access is excellent for anglers. Canoers and kayakers can use the site's boat ramp for quick access to the water. There's a playground for the kids to enjoy and other amenities here include showers, toilets, and the availability of drinking water. There are two dump stations, and the pet-friendly sites have electric hookups.
North Overlook Campground
North Overlook campground provides 52 total campsites for visitors. Of these, 46 have electric hookups, and the remaining six are tent-only primitive sites. Your trailer or RV that is 73 feet long (or less) can definitely find a suitable site at North Overlook.
The views of the lake are lovely, and you'll be very close to Red Rock Dam when staying here. Some of the sites are waterfront, and others have water views.
For swimmers, this is a great location. The North Overlook Beach is an easy quarter-mile walk away. You can also expect somewhat typical amenities here like showers, toilets, access to drinking water, and a dump station.
Wallashuck Campground
Located in Pella, there are 83 total campsites at Wallasuck for you to call home when you visit Lake Red Rock. They have electrical hookups and can accommodate rigs up to 82 feet. Pets are allowed here, and for entertainment, there's a playground and picnic shelters.
The amenities here include a dump station, toilets, and showers. There is access to drinking water as well. Sites are available by reservation, and some have wonderful lake views.
Whitebreast Camp
Camping at Whitebreast Camp is open from late April to late September and gives you the choice of 132 campsites, all with electric hookups. There are two group campsites and two picnic shelters - one open and one covered. RVs and trailers up to 55 feet can be accommodated here. The camp pads are gravel, and some sites have views of the Red Rock Reservoir.
Kids will love the playground and nearby Whitebreast Beach for swimming. Getting your watercraft launched here is no problem with the onsite boat ramp. There are toilets and showers as well as drinking water and a dump station for your convenience.
First-come first-served
Ivan's Recreation Area Campground
Although not available by reservation, the COE campground at Ivan's Recreation Area is certainly worth consideration. It's touted as one of the most scenic campgrounds at Red Rock Lake. You'll have the choice of 21 campsites in a heavily wooded area with electrical hookups.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, the location on the south shore of the Des Moines River provides easy access to the Volksweg trail. There are shower facilities and flush toilets. Once you arrive and choose your site, the park's custodian will stop by to collect payment.
Seasonal activities in Lake Red Rock
In-Season
Water Sports
One of the main reasons, other than flood control, that Lake Red Rock was created was for water recreation. There are boat ramps and beaches at most of the recreation areas surrounding the lake. Red Rock Marina is located on the northwest side of the lake, close to the dam so you can fuel up and get other necessary supplies. You'll see everything from small, non-motorized boats, to sailboats, to large speed boats at Lake Red Rock.
Take a refreshing dip at the sandy beach at either North Overlook or Whitebreast. Enjoy a paddle around the lake or the Des Moines River with your canoe or kayak. The shoreline has many inlets and coves just waiting to be explored, and there are designated canoe and kayak trails.
Fishing
Fishing is definitely a popular pastime at Lake Red Rock. With the appropriate license from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, you can fish for perch, bass, catfish, and sunfish.
Catfish are best hooked in June and July when the water temperatures are higher. Look for largemouth bass around the rocks by the marina, off the old Wallashuck boat ramp, and among the rocks at the face of the dam. Cast your line into the Des Moines river for better luck at catching either walleye or sauger.
Lake Red Rock Visitor Center
The Army Corps of Engineers runs a visitor center at Lake Red Rock which is a great first stop when you arrive. You can get all the information you'll need on the COE park's recreation opportunities and facilities. Educational programs are run from here and can be booked ahead by appointment only.
One of the highlights of the visitor center is the observation deck. It provides stunning open views of the lake and its surroundings. The center is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you are visiting at other times of the year, call ahead since opening times vary in the off-season.
Off-Season
Hiking
One of the highlights of visiting Lake Red Rock is the options for hiking. Perhaps the most popular place to start is the Volksweg Trail. It's paved and travels around the lake beginning near Pella and traveling to the Cordova Recreation Area. The total distance is over 11 miles, and the trail is rated a moderate difficulty level. For people looking for an easier hike, you can simply do the section from the North Tailwater Recreation Area to Howell Station Recreation Area where the slope is less than 1%.
The trails at Lake Red Rock can also be used for cycling, so be prepared to share the area. Dogs are welcome on-leash on the Volksweg Trail.
Wildlife Viewing
The lake provides an ideal habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl so birdwatchers will be glad they made the trip here. From November to March, the bald eagles are at Lake Red Rock. The American white pelican can be seen as it migrates through the area during the spring and fall.
Other common sightings around the lake include white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. Wherever you are around the lake, keep your eyes open and your camera ready.
Picnicking
There's seemingly no end to the number of spots you can use at Lake Red Rock for a picnic. Most have river or lake views and amenities like restrooms nearby.
Try the North Overlook picnic shelter for excellent views and everything you need for a pleasant afternoon. It's reservable in advance, but if it is not already reserved, it is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There's electric hookups, a grill, picnic tables and restrooms close by.
If you prefer something less conventional, set up your picnic on a blanket in the grass at any one of the lake's recreation areas. You'll be relaxed in no time.
